The Importance of Choosing the Right Mesh Count
When it comes to silkscreen printing, the right mesh could go a long way in getting the print that you're after.
But how do you choose the right mesh? How would you even know which one is right for you?
While it can be difficult to pinpoint, it’s best to go into it with some knowledge on how different mesh counts can contribute to a quality print.
The Basics
First, you need to know what exactly is meant by a ‘mesh count’, and why is there a 'T' after every number?
Depending on whether you are based in the UK or the US, the mesh count indicates how many mesh fibres there are per square cm or per square inch on your silkscreen. The 'T' simply stands for 'Threads'. In the UK and at Art2Silkscreen, we measure our mesh count per cm (metric). In the US, mesh count is measured per inch (imperial).
For example, our 43T mesh = 43 Threads Per CM.
To the naked eye, the difference may seem negligible, however, the number of fibres in the mesh can make a serious impact on your final print. Lower count screens mean more ink will pass through onto the garment when inking your design. A higher mesh count, on the other hand, will help in filling in the finer details but with less coating of ink.
Which to Use
Experience using silkscreen printing will better form your judgement on which mesh count will be best for the job. There are, however, some guidelines to help you get started.
- 15T to 21T: These mesh count screens are perfect for glitter, shimmers, Glow in the dark inks as they contain particles too large to pass through a smaller mesh.
- 32T: This type of mesh is best used for heavy ink deposit. Block numbers, letters and sports jumpers tend to be the perfect match. Also ideal for printing Foil Adhesives, Metallic inks and Puff Additives.
- 43T to 61T: Most Popular mesh counts for textile printing. Use this mesh count for when you want to print heat transfers, underbases and light ink colours onto dark or heavyweight fabric. Ideal for Waterbased, Plastisol and Discharge inks.
- 77T to 90T: This mesh count is the most widely used for paper printing, or printing onto lighter-weight textiles with some finer details. You can produce a decent halftone image with these mesh count, a softer finish to the feel of the print and a lesser ink deposit.
- 100T to 120T: The highest and finest mesh counts, these will deliver highly detailed prints. Ideal for extremely lightweight material. Great for Plastisol and solvent-based inks. Printing onto hard surface materials where there is no or limited absorption. Photographic, halftone detail. Be aware that the lighter ink deposits do not allow for opaque designs on this mesh and an underbase layer would be required first.
Other Considerations
So now you know the basic guidelines of mesh counts, what other considerations do you need to take into account? There are a few more complexities when choosing a high-quality mesh count such as thread thickness and thread opening (microns). This advice can be provided on request.
Different screens also hold different densities so you have to be careful which you choose, depending on how much ink you intend to use. Also, if you’re using water-based inks, many brands have been known to dry a lot quicker on finer screens. Our own Art2Silkscreen brand of Waterbased Ink has been specially formulated to stay 'open' for longer on the finer mesh counts.
In short, while there are factors that go into choosing the right mesh count for your printing job, the only way to properly decide is to rely on your own judgement or seek some professional advice from our Art2Silkscreen team. However, if you have decided, check out what mesh screens we have on offer at Art2Silkscreen!
Have you watched our silkscreen tutorial series? View the first stage in our step-by-step guide to silkscreen printing!
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Find out the proper process of degreasing your screen in our first video tutorial.